Wednesday, February 1, 2012

"However many years a man (woman) may live, let him (her) enjoy them all"

The big 2-8.  Wow.  Scary.  Exciting.  28 has kind of been my 'scary year' for awhile.  I remember turning 27 and thinking, "God, at least I'm not 28 yet!" And, now here it is.  One year later.  The time has come.
I'm not sure why 28 seems to horrifying.  My guess is, it's because I'm on a downhill slide to 30, which everyone assures me is so much better than my 20's.  You know, it's funny, for so many years, I wished to hurry up and get to my 30's and now, now, that I have only 2 years left in my 20's I suddenly don't seem so ready anymore.  What's that saying about the grass always being greener?  So, here I am, 28, and I'm not quite sure where the time has gone, but the future sure looks bright.

I had to calm my nerves this morning as I got up and realized I was no longer 27 and a year closer to the dreaded dirty 30, but then I remembered my friends before me who have taken this age and date in stride.  I didn't spontaneously combust or anything.  I'm still one whole Judy who does all of her Judy things.

In fact, it turned out to be a great, fantastic, fabulous day.  Of course, I love any day that is specifically centered around me, I am a true Aquarius, after all.  My students and staff spoiled me like they usually do and had a little celebration.  One student, in particular, gave me about 27 hugs and they all said Happy Birthday about a million times.  Another student even pointed out how she simply could not believe I was 28 because I did not look that old at all!  YES!  Ego boost!  And, my students all wrote me very genuine, thoughtful cards (see below).

This evening brought an even better bash, as my dear friend, Sarah, once again out did herself with planning my birthday party!  She is incredible.  She assures me she looks forward to planning and organizing my birthday, even though I simply can't understand how anyone could like doing such a thing.  She had flowers, card, chocolate and balloons sent to me at school today.  Organized a dinner with all of my closest pals, and took many a celebratory photo for me.  She made a delicious candy-cake per my request (are you getting why one would not want to be my party planner?  I want this, I want that, blah blah blah)  She is amazing and I'm so blessed to have her in my life!  Then!  Don't forget the numerous people that showered me with gifts and meaningful, humorous cards. I can't even believe how well people treat me.  I'm sure I don't deserve it.  Gifts came pouring in from Australia, to Klamath Falls, to Corvallis, to Forest Grove, to Eugene.  If only you all knew your friendship, love and support, were all the gifts I need!

Birthday Cards from students:
Cover art:  A talking cat
Inside:  I wish you a happy birthday.  I like that you are nice.  I also like how you are helpful.  I like that you are good at math, with your students!  Happy birthday.

Cover art:  2 koalas in trees
Inside: I wish you a happy birthday!  I like that you eat lots of vegetables, you're good at yoga, and you're nice.  I wish that you may have a special birthday.  You seem to be very friendly, caring and helpful.  In yoga you do stuff that I think is impossible.  I think you are a super person.

Cover art:  Me walking down a sidewalk where I find a bag of gold, in the bag there's a key to a Mustang GT 500 (does that even exist?) and inside the Mustang there are keys to a speed boat and inside the speed boat are keys to a brand new four-bedroom, four-bathroom house that is two stories!  (student explained this to me)
Inside:  Happy birthday to you.  I like that you're nice.  I like that you're friendly.  I like that you're helpful.  A wish for you is you get a bag of gold.

Cover art:  Birthday cake with 3 candles (????)
Inside:  You are a great and patient teacher.  More important you love kids.  I like that you have a great sense of humor (sidenote: this kid never smiles).  I wish you have a great birthday and have a fun time.

Cover art:  Party hat
Inside:  Happy birthday.  I like you because you are good at knowing China.  And you are good at yoga.  Also you are good at teaching.  I wish you have the best birthday ever.

Cover art:  Go ducks!
Inside:  I wish you will be a teacher forever.  I think you are a good artist because you can come up with these really amazing things.  I think you have a good sense of humor.  And you will have the best birthday you have ever had in your life.  Happy birthday Judy.

You know....that last student may have been right....it was one of the very best birthdays....ever....

No list today.  Living in the moment.
Goodnight!

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